Israel's Right to Protect Itself

Floor Speech

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Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking the great gentleman from Utah who is, indeed, a friend, and I thank him for his service.

We have heard much tonight about Israel and the rockets and everything that is happening in that part of the world, but one thing we haven't talked about much is the United Nations Human Rights Council, which really can't be taken seriously as a human rights organization, and I will tell you why.

Let's talk about some of the members on that: Cuba, Russia, Congo, Ivory Coast, Venezuela, and China.

When you think about Cuba and Venezuela, they outlaw political demonstrations in their country, but yet they are on the Human Rights Council judging Israel. When you think about Ivory Coast or Congo, they allow genital mutilation in their country, yet they are judging Israel.

Now, this commission established a commission to probe alleged war crimes in violation of international law by Israel for defending its citizens against rocket attacks and terror tunnels. I mean, really? A competition to probe the war crimes from Israel.

Now, what they should be doing, instead, is focusing on Hamas, which uses its citizens as human shields while its commanders flee to bunkers. If Hamas uses human shields to protect its rockets, I mean, is that Israel's fault for defending itself? But somehow, as Americans, we are told that that is what we should believe.

Everybody--everybody--in this Chamber, every American is saddened by the tragic loss of innocent life on both sides of the conflict. However, let's be clear. It is Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, that has refused to deescalate this conflict.

Recently, I heard a reporter and some other folks saying: Well, in Gaza, where should the Palestinians go? It is small. There is nowhere to go to avoid the rockets from Israel. Where should they go?

They should stay right there and quit firing on Israel, quit digging tunnels into Israel. That is what they should do, and then this problem would relieve itself. I mean, who dug these tunnels? Who has fired over 2,000 rockets into Israel? They don't have to go anywhere. They just need to quit attacking Israel.

No U.S. funds should go towards the Palestinian Authority or its institution so long as Hamas is part of a unity Palestinian Government.

Secretary Kerry's recent actions have actually hampered a cease-fire. This administration continues to befriend our enemies and make enemies of our friends, and it must stop, Mr. Speaker. It is critical for the U.S. to reiterate our support for our ally, our only ally there, which is Israel, including its right of its people to live in peace and to defend itself.

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